Customizable handbag system

ABSTRACT

A customizable handbag system has removable components that allow for multiple configurations. A side panel removably attaches to the handbag and is replaceable by another side panel that has a different appearance. In some examples, the side panel forms part of an interior space of the handbag, which can be a main compartment or a side pocket.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/098,294, filed Dec. 30, 2014, entitled “CUSTOMIZABLE HANDBAG SYSTEM,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and which incorporates by reference for all purposes the full disclosure of U. S. Design Patent Application No. 29/513,424, filed Dec. 30, 2014, entitled “HANDBAG,” which is also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Consumers are able to purchase various handbag systems at a wide variety of retail locations. These handbag systems may be purchased to satisfy certain needs. For example, consumers may purchase a particular handbag based on its particular aesthetic characteristics, such as its color, texture or pattern, which may accentuate the attire of the consumer and thus serve as a fashion accessory. In another example, consumers may purchase a particular handbag for primarily utilitarian purposes, such as available storage capacity and capability to hold one or more consumer accessories (e.g., mobile devices, wallets, keys, etc.).

There are several issues that may arise in the purchase of such handbags readily available in the market. For instance, purchasing multiple handbags to satisfy each aesthetic and utilitarian need may be a cost ineffective endeavor, as the variability in handbag designs may be conducive to ever increasing need for the proper handbag. Furthermore, alternating among various handbags daily or multiple times in a day may be time intensive and may be conducive to the loss of essential items, as items may be left behind in other handbags. Another issue that may arise through the daily use of a handbag is normal wear and tear, such as stains and surface damage that may be expensive or impossible to remove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a customizable handbag system with a plurality of accessory handbag panels that are used to create accessory compartments;

FIG. 2 is a front side elevation view of a customizable handbag system showing the first main handbag panel and attachment for the accessory handbag panels that are used to create accessory compartments;

FIG. 3 is a rear side elevation view of a customizable handbag system showing the second main handbag panel and attachment for the accessory handbag panels that are used to create accessory compartments;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a customizable handbag system showing an accessory handbag panel;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a customizable handbag system showing an accessory handbag panel;

FIG. 6 is a top-down view of a customizable handbag system showing an upper closure, the main handbag compartment and accessory compartments;

FIG. 7 is a bottom-up view of a customizable handbag system showing a base panel including one or more stand elements;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a customizable handbag system comprising two or more main handbag panels and a peripheral assembly panel used to assemble the handbag system;

FIG. 9 is a front side elevation view of a customizable handbag system showing the main handbag panels and attachment for the peripheral assembly panel that is used to create the main handbag compartment and the handbag itself;

FIG. 10 is a rear side elevation view of a customizable handbag system showing the main handbag panels and attachment for the peripheral assembly panel that is used to create the main handbag compartment and the handbag itself;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a customizable handbag system showing the peripheral handbag panel that may be attached to, or removed from, the handbag to create the sides of the handbag;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a customizable handbag system showing the peripheral handbag panel that may be attached to, or removed from, the handbag to create the sides of the handbag;

FIG. 13 is a top-down view of a customizable handbag system showing an upper closure and the main handbag compartment; and

FIG. 14 is a bottom-up view of a customizable handbag system showing a peripheral handbag panel attached to the main handbag panels to form the base of the handbag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide for an improved customizable handbag system which provides a simple method for customizing and altering the design of a handbag to comport with various consumer needs and requirements. Particularly, the present invention relates to a customizable handbag system wherein one or more compartment panels may be optionally attached to the handbag to create one or more external storage compartments usable for the storage of various personal items. The basic components of the customizable handbag system include two opposite main handbag panels, each comprising an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge and a right edge; a base handbag panel comprising one or more support elements for stabilization of the handbag, longitudinal edges for receiving the two opposite main handbag panels and lateral edges for receiving two opposite side handbag panels that, upon attachment, create a main handbag compartment for storage; and one or more accessory handbag panels comprising a zipper attachment tape along three of the four peripheral edges of each of the one or more accessory handbag panels that can attach to a corresponding zipper attachment tape attached to the two opposite main handbag panels and the base handbag panel to create one or more accessory compartments.

In an embodiment, a user of the customizable handbag system can attach the one or more accessory handbag panels to the two opposite main handbag panels and the base handbag panel by inserting a zipper pin on one of the zipper attachment tapes to the box of the other zipper attachment tape to create an initial connection between the two zipper attachment tapes. Subsequently, the user may utilize the zipper pull tab to interlock the connecting teeth of the two zipper attachment tapes to create a full connection between the two zipper attachment tapes. Such an attachment may secure an accessory handbag panel to the main handbag panels and the base handbag panel, creating an accessory compartment for the storage of various items (e.g., cellular devices, bottles and the like). The one or more accessory handbag panels may be removed through utilization of the zipper pull tab to disengage the connecting teeth of the two zipper attachment tapes and removing the zipper pin from the zipper box. Thus, a user of the customizable handbag system may utilize different accessory handbag panels to create a customized handbag according to his/her preferences.

In an alternative embodiment, the customizable handbag system includes a peripheral assembly panel comprising, along each of the two parallel longitudinal edges of the peripheral assembly panel, a zipper attachment tape for attachment of the peripheral assembly panel to the two opposite main handbag panels. The two opposite main handbag panels may each include a zipper attachment tape attached along each side edge and the bottom edge of the panel. Thus, a user of the customizable handbag system may attach a zipper pin on one of the zipper attachment tapes to the box of the other zipper attachment tape to create an initial connection between the two zipper attachment tapes. Subsequently, the user may utilize a zipper pull tab to interlock the connecting teeth of the two zipper attachment tapes to create a full connection between the two zipper attachment tapes and, hence, a main handbag panel and the peripheral assembly panel. By performing these operations for both main handbag panels, the peripheral assembly panel may form the side and base panels of the handbag, creating a main handbag compartment usable for storage. The peripheral assembly panel and the two main handbag panels may be exchanged for other peripheral assembly panels or other main handbag panels to enable full customization of the customizable handbag system.

Since the customizable handbag system enables users to attach and remove various panels from the system, a user may be able to fully customize his/her handbag based on personal preferences or requirements. In addition, the customizable handbag system described and suggested herein facilitates additional advantages. For example, because the customizable handbag system includes various interchangeable panels and components, a user may be able to replace any panel that has become worn or damaged with a new panel, thereby maintaining the integrity of the customizable handbag system. Further, a user may select a particular panel or set of panels based at least in part on the material properties (e.g., waterproof, abrasion-resistance, stain-resistance, etc.) of the particular panel or set of panels for a variety of conditions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a customizable handbag system 10 with a plurality of compartment panels that are used to create handbag compartments. The customizable handbag system 10 may include a first main handbag panel 11, a second main handbag panel 12, a first peripheral handbag panel 22, a second peripheral handbag panel 24, a base panel 29 (see FIG. 7) and at least two accessory handbag panels 13, 14 (which may be referred to as side panels). The first main handbag panel 11, second main handbag panel 12, first peripheral handbag panel 22, second peripheral handbag panel 24, base panel 29 and the at least two accessory handbag panels 13, 14 may be manufactured using any sound material, such as animal skins (e.g., leather, snake skin, alligator skin, etc.), natural fabrics (cotton, wool, hemp, etc.), synthetic materials (e.g., nylon, acrylic, plastics, etc.) and the like. The first main handbag panel 11 and the second main handbag panel 12 may be attached (e.g., sewn, glued, etc.), along a lower edge, to the base panel 29 such that the first main handbag panel 11 and second main handbag panel 12 may extend in a perpendicular angle from opposite sides of the face of the base panel 29 (see FIG. 7). Additionally, in some embodiments, the first peripheral handbag panel 22 and the second peripheral handbag panel 24 may be attached (e.g., sewn, glued, etc.) along connecting sides of the first main handbag panel 11, the second main handbag panel 12 and the base panel 29 to collectively form the main handbag compartment 23.

In some embodiments, the first main handbag panel 11 and the second main handbag 12 may be releasably connected through use of a main compartment zipper 25, which may enable a user of the customizable handbag system 10 to access or close the main handbag compartment 23. The main compartment zipper 25 may comprise two zipper attachment tapes, each of which may be attached to a flange of the first main handbag panel 11 and the second handbag panel 12 (see FIG. 6). The main compartment zipper 25 includes connecting teeth, a zipper pin, a zipper box and a pull tab for interlocking the connecting teeth of the two zipper attachment tapes upon insertion of the zipper pin from a first zipper attachment tape to the zipper box of the other zipper attachment tape. It should be noted that while a main compartment zipper 25 is described extensively throughout the present disclosure for the purpose of illustration, other attachment methods may be utilized to access or close the main handbag compartment 23. For instance, the first main handbag panel 11 and the second main handbag panel 12 may, in some embodiments, include a clasp which may be engaged to either access or close the main handbag compartment 23. Other attachment methods may include magnetic locks, Velcro®, buttons, snaps, laces and the like.

The first main handbag panel 11 may include a handle 15, which may be attached to the first main handbag panel 11 utilizing one or more handle attachment components 17, 18. These one or more handle attachment components 17, 18 may be attached to the first main handbag panel 11 through various methods. For instance, the one or more handle attachment components 17, 18 may be sewn to the first main handbag panel 11 utilizing a structurally sound thread that may provide sufficient strength and durability to create a permanent attachment between the first main handbag panel 11 and the handle 15 through these handle attachment components 17, 18. In some embodiments, the handle attachment components 17, 18 may be attached to the first handbag panel 11 through a clasp, adhesive (e.g., epoxy, etc.) or other known methods. Similarly, the second handbag panel 12 may include a handle 16, which may be attached to the second handbag panel 12 utilizing one or more handle attachment components 27, 28 (see FIG. 3).

The customizable handbag system 10 may further include one or more accessory panel zippers 19, 20, wherein the one or more accessory panel zippers 19, 20 each comprise two zipper attachment tapes, connecting teeth, a zipper pin, a zipper box and a pull tab for interlocking the connecting teeth of the two zipper attachment tapes upon insertion of the zipper pin from a first zipper attachment tape to the zipper box of the other zipper attachment tape. The one or more accessory panel zippers 19, 20 may be attached (e.g., sewn, glued, etc.) along connecting sides of the first main handbag panel 11, the second main handbag panel 12 and the base panel 29. In an embodiment, a user of the customizable handbag system can attach the one or more accessory handbag panels 13, 14 to the two opposite main handbag panels 11, 12 and the base panel 29 by inserting a zipper pin on one of the zipper attachment tapes to the box of the other zipper attachment tape to create an initial connection between the two zipper attachment tapes. Subsequently, the user may utilize the zipper pull tab to interlock the connecting teeth of the two zipper attachment tapes to create a full connection between the two zipper attachment tapes. Such an attachment may secure an accessory handbag panel 13, 14 to the main handbag panels 11, 12 and the base panel 29, creating an accessory compartment 21, 30 for the storage of various items (e.g., cellular devices, bottles and the like). The one or more accessory handbag panels 13, 14 may be removed through utilization of the zipper pull tab to disengage the connecting teeth of the two zipper attachment tapes and removing the zipper pin from the zipper box. Thus, a user of the customizable handbag system 10 may utilize different accessory handbag panels 13, 14 to customize the customizable handbag system 10 according to his/her preferences.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are front side elevation and rear side elevation views of a customizable handbag system 10 showing the main handbag panels 11, 12, respectively, and attachment for the accessory handbag panels 13, 14 that are used to create accessory compartments 21, 30. As noted above, the customizable handbag system 10 may include one or more accessory panel zippers 19, 20 for attaching the accessory handbag panels 13, 14 to the first main handbag panel 11, the second main handbag panel 12 and the base panel 29 (see FIG. 7). In order to enable the interchangeability of the accessory handbag panels 13, 14, the associated accessory panel zippers 19, 20 may be attached to the first handbag panel 11 in opposite directions. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first accessory panel zipper 19 may be attached to a first edge of the first main handbag panel 11 in a manner that, when interlocked to create attachment between the first accessory handbag panel 13 and the first main handbag panel 11, the first accessory panel zipper 19 pull tab is available to the user. Thus, a user may utilize the zipper pull tab from the first main handbag panel 11 to disengage the connecting teeth of the first accessory panel zipper 19 and remove the first accessory handbag panel 13. Note that, in some examples, the accessory handbag panels 13, 14 may have features that improve the functionality of the customizable handbag system. For example, an interior surface of either or both of the accessory handbag panels 13, 14 may have a pocket, which may be sized to hold a cellular telephone or other device. As another example, one or both of the accessory handbag panels may have a strap with a clasp for securing items, such as a key ring, to the handbag system. Other variations may also be included with the accessory handbag panels 13, 14. Similarly, in addition or in alternative, such features may be included on a peripheral panel, such as the peripheral panels 22, 24, described in more detail below. Other pockets and such features may also be included on an interior and/or exterior surface of other components of the customizable handbag system, such as on an interior surface of one or both of the main handbag panels 11, 12.

The second accessory panel zipper 20 may be attached to the first main handbag panel 11 along an opposite edge from the attachment point of the first accessory panel zipper 19. As opposed to the first accessory panel zipper 19, the second accessory panel zipper 20 may be attached to the first main handbag panel 11 such that when the second accessory panel zipper 20 is interlocked to create attachment between the second accessory handbag panel 14 and the first main handbag panel 11, the second accessory panel zipper 20 box is available to the user, as the pull tab may only be accessible from the opposite side of the handbag (see FIG. 3). Thus, a user may remove the second accessory handbag panel 14 and the first accessory handbag panel 13 and attach them to the handbag in the corresponding opposite position.

The customizable handbag system 10 may further include one or more stand elements 26 for enabling the handbag to remain standing when placed on a flat surface. The one or more stand elements 26 may be attached to the base panel 29 (see FIG. 7) through use of fasteners, glue, magnetic snaps and the like. However, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the customizable handbag system 10 may not include the one or more stand elements 26, instead leaving the base panel 29 without any other features aside from the attachments to the main handbag panels 11, 12, the peripheral handbag panels 22, 24 and the accessory panel zippers 19, 20. Note that, in some examples, the handbag system lacks peripheral handbag panels 22, 24, thereby allowing accessory panels 13, 14 to form respective surfaces of the main compartment.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views of a customizable handbag system 10 showing the one or more accessory handbag panels 13, 14 that may be attached to, or removed from, the handbag. The one or more accessory handbag panels 13, 14 may be designed to mimic the general shape of the handbag resulting from the attachment of the main handbag panels 11, 12 to the base panel 29 (see FIG. 1). As noted above, the one or more accessory handbag panels 13, 14 may be manufactured using any sound material, such as animal skins (e.g., leather, snake skin, alligator skin, etc.), natural fabrics (cotton, wool, hemp, etc.), synthetic materials (e.g., nylon, acrylic, plastics, etc.) and the like. In some embodiments, the one or more accessory handbag panels 13, 14 may be manufactured using a material distinct from the materials utilized to manufacture the main handbag panels 11, 12 and the base panel 29. This may enable a user of the customizable handbag system 10 to attach one or more accessory handbag panels 13, 14 to create a unique or custom appearance or to satisfy one or more requirements (e.g., durability, weatherproofing, etc.).

FIG. 6 shows a top-down view of a customizable handbag system 10 showing an upper closure, the main handbag compartment and accessory compartments 21, 30. As noted above, the first main handbag panel 11 and the second main handbag 12 may be releasably connected through use of a main compartment zipper 25, which may enable a user of the customizable handbag system 10 to access or close the main handbag compartment 23. The main compartment zipper 25 may comprise two zipper attachment tapes, each of which may be attached to a flange of the first main handbag panel 11 and the second handbag panel 12. The main compartment zipper 25 includes connecting teeth, a zipper pin, a zipper box and a pull tab for interlocking the connecting teeth of the two zipper attachment tapes upon insertion of the zipper pin from a first zipper attachment tape to the zipper box of the other zipper attachment tape.

The zipper attachment tapes comprising the main compartment zipper 25 may extend beyond the flanges of the main handbag panels 11, 12 to enable a user of the customizable handbag system 10 to access the totality of the main handbag compartment 23 without being hindered by the main compartment zipper 25 components. The portion of the main compartment zipper 25 extending beyond the flanges of the main handbag panels 11, 12 may be flexible, enabling a user to access the accessory compartment 30 that may be available beneath as a result of attachment of the accessory handbag panel 14 to the handbag.

As noted above, the customizable handbag system 10 may include peripheral handbag panels 22, 24 that may be attached along connecting sides of the first main handbag panel 11, the second main handbag panel 12 and the base panel 29 to collectively form the main handbag compartment 23. There peripheral handbag panels 22, 24 may be manufactured to be flexible and enable manipulation of the shape of the peripheral handbag panels 22, 24, thereby enabling manipulation of the size of the main handbag compartment 23. Further, manipulation of the shape of the peripheral handbag panels 22, 24 may enable expansion or contraction of the accessory compartments 21, 30 as needed. For instance, if greater storage volume is required for an accessory compartment 21, 30, a user may push the peripheral handbag panels 22, 24 inwardly, thereby increasing the storage volume of the accessory compartments 21, 30.

FIG. 7 is a bottom-up view of a customizable handbag system 10 showing a base panel 29 including one or more stand elements 26. As noted above, the one or more stand elements 26 may be attached to the base panel 29 in order to enable the handbag to remain standing when placed on a flat surface. The one or more stand elements 26 may be attached to the base panel 29 through use of fasteners, glue, magnetic snaps and the like. In some embodiments, the base panel 29 may not include the one or more stand elements 26.

The base panel 29 may serve as an attachment point for one or more components of the customizable handbag system 10. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the main handbag panels 11, 12 may be attached to the base panel 29 such that the main handbag panels 11, 12 may extend normal to the face of the base panel 29 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Further, the one or more accessory panel zippers 19, 20 may be attached to the base panel 29 along parallel edges of the base panel 29, as well as the main handbag panels 11, 12 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). This may enable the one or more accessory panels 13, 14 to be attached to the base panel 29, as well as the main handbag panels 11, 12, through use of these accessory panel zippers 19, 20.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a customizable handbag system 40 comprising two or more main handbag panels 41, 42 and a peripheral assembly panel 43 used to assemble the handbag system. The customizable handbag system 40 may include similar elements to the customizable handbag system 10 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. For instance, the customizable handbag system 40 may include a first main handbag panel 41 and a second main handbag panel 42, which may be constructed using any sound material, such as animal skins (e.g., leather, snake skin, alligator skin, etc.), natural fabrics (cotton, wool, hemp, etc.), synthetic materials (e.g., nylon, acrylic, plastics, etc.) and the like. Further, the each main handbag panel 41, 42 may include a handle 44, 45. For instance the handle 44 may be attached to the first main handbag panel 41 utilizing one or more handle attachment components 46, 47. These one or more handle attachment components 46, 47 may be attached to the first main handbag panel 41 through various methods, as described above. Similarly, the second handbag panel 42 may include a handle 45, which may be attached to the second handbag panel 42 utilizing one or more handle attachment components 52, 53 (see FIG. 10).

Similarly, the main handbag panels 41, 42 may be releasably connected through use of a main compartment zipper 51, which may enable a user of the customizable handbag system 40 to access or close the main handbag compartment 50. The main compartment zipper 51 may comprise two zipper attachment tapes, each of which may be attached to a flange of the first main handbag panel 41 and the second handbag panel 42 (see FIG. 13). It should be noted that while a main compartment zipper 51 is described extensively throughout the present disclosure for the purpose of illustration, other attachment methods may be utilized to access or close the main handbag compartment 50. For instance, the first main handbag panel 41 and the second main handbag panel 42 may, in some embodiments, include a clasp which may be engaged to either access or close the main handbag compartment 50. Other attachment methods may include magnetic locks, Velcro®, buttons, snaps, laces, and the like.

However, as opposed to the main handbag panels 11, 12 of the customizable handbag system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, each main handbag panel 41, 42 may include a handbag assembly zipper 48, 49, which may be used to releasably attach a peripheral assembly panel 43 to the main handbag panels 41, 42 to create the main handbag compartment 50. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the first main handbag panel 41 may include a zipper attachment tape of a handbag assembly zipper 49, which may be attached to the first main handbag panel 41 along the outer periphery of the first main handbag panel 41, starting under the flange wherein the main compartment zipper 51 is attached and extending downward and along the horizontal bottom edge of the first main handbag panel 41 before terminating at the opposite peripheral edge of the first main handbag panel 41, just under the flange. Similarly, the second main handbag panel 48 may include a zipper attachment tape of a handbag assembly zipper 48.

The peripheral assembly panel 43 may include, along each longitudinal edge, a zipper attachment tape of either of the handbag assembly zippers 48, 49. A user of the customizable handbag system 40 may attach the may attach a zipper pin on one of the zipper attachment tapes to the box of the other zipper attachment tape to create an initial connection between the two zipper attachment tapes for the handbag assembly zippers 48, 49. Subsequently, the user may utilize a zipper pull tab to interlock the connecting teeth of the two zipper attachment tapes to create a full connection between the two zipper attachment tapes and, hence, a main handbag panel 41, 42 and the peripheral assembly panel 43. By performing these operations for both main handbag panels 41, 42, the peripheral assembly panel 43 may form the side and base panels of the handbag (see FIGS. 11-12 and 14), creating a main handbag compartment 50 usable for storage.

The peripheral assembly panel 43 may be manufactured using similar materials to those used in the manufacture of the main handbag panels 41, 42. However, the peripheral assembly panel 43 may be manufactured utilizing materials distinct from those used in the main handbag panels 41, 42. This may enable the peripheral assembly panel 43 and the two main handbag panels 41, 42 to be exchanged for other peripheral assembly panels or other main handbag panels to enable full customization of the customizable handbag system 40.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are front side elevation and rear side elevation views of a customizable handbag system 40 showing the main handbag panels 41, 42, respectively, and attachment for the peripheral assembly panel 43 that is used to create the main handbag compartment 50 and the handbag itself. As noted above, the customizable handbag system 40 may include one or more handbag assembly zippers 48, 49 for attaching the peripheral assembly panel 43 to the main handbag panels 41, 42 (see FIGS. 11-13). In order to enable the interchangeability of the main handbag panels 41, 42, the associated handbag assembly zippers 48, 49 may be attached to main handbag panels 41, 42 in the same direction. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the first handbag assembly zipper 49 may be attached to a first edge of the first main handbag panel 41 in a manner that, when interlocked to create attachment between the peripheral assembly panel 43 and the first main handbag panel 41, the first handbag assembly zipper 49 pull tab is available to the user. Thus, a user may utilize the zipper pull tab from the first main handbag panel 41 to disengage the connecting teeth of the first handbag assembly zipper 49 and remove the first main handbag panel 41 from the peripheral assembly panel 43.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second handbag assembly zipper 48 may be attached to the same edge of the second main handbag panel 42 as the first edge of the first main handbag panel 41 described above. The second handbag assembly zipper 48 thus may enable attachment of the second main handbag panel 42 to the peripheral handbag panel 43 along an opposite edge of the peripheral handbag panel 43 where the first main handbag panel 41 may be attached to the peripheral handbag panel 43. Since the handbag assembly zippers 48, 49 are attached to the same edge of the main handbag panels 41, 42, the customizable handbag system 40 may be agnostic to the user's attachment of the main handbag panels 41, 42 to the peripheral handbag panel 43 for assembly of the handbag.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are side views of a customizable handbag system 40 showing the peripheral handbag panel 43 that may be attached to, or removed from, the handbag to create the sides of the handbag. The peripheral handbag panel 43 may be designed to form the sides and base of the handbag upon attachment of the main handbag panels 41, 42 to the peripheral handbag panel (see FIGS. 8 and 14). As noted above, the peripheral handbag panel 43 may be manufactured using any sound material, such as animal skins (e.g., leather, snake skin, alligator skin, etc.), natural fabrics (cotton, wool, hemp, etc.), synthetic materials (e.g., nylon, acrylic, plastics, etc.) and the like. In some embodiments, the peripheral handbag panel 43 may be manufactured using a material distinct from the materials utilized to manufacture the main handbag panels 41, 42. This may enable a user of the customizable handbag system 40 to attach a peripheral handbag panel 43 to the main handbag panels 41, 42 to create a unique or custom appearance or to satisfy one or more requirements (e.g., durability, weatherproofing, etc.).

FIG. 13 is a top-down view of a customizable handbag system 40 showing an upper closure and the main handbag compartment 50. As noted above, the main handbag panels 41, 42 may be releasably connected through use of a main compartment zipper 51, which may enable a user of the customizable handbag system 40 to access or close the main handbag compartment 50. The main compartment zipper 51, similar to the main compartment zipper 23 described above in connection with FIG. 6, may comprise two zipper attachment tapes, each of which may be attached to a flange of the first main handbag panel 41 and the second handbag panel 42. The main compartment zipper 51 includes connecting teeth, a zipper pin, a zipper box, and a pull tab for interlocking the connecting teeth of the two zipper attachment tapes upon insertion of the zipper pin from a first zipper attachment tape to the zipper box of the other zipper attachment tape.

The zipper attachment tapes comprising the main compartment zipper 51 may extend beyond the flanges of the main handbag panels 41, 42 to enable a user of the customizable handbag system 40 to access the totality of the main handbag compartment 50 without being hindered by the main compartment zipper 51 components. The portion of the main compartment zipper 51 extending beyond the flanges of the main handbag panels 41, 42 may be flexible, enabling a user to access the main handbag compartment 50 that may be available beneath as a result of extension of the peripheral handbag panel 43 in an outward fashion, expanding the volume of the main handbag compartment 50.

FIG. 14 is a bottom-up view of a customizable handbag system 40 showing a peripheral handbag panel 43 attached to the main handbag panels to form the base of the handbag. The peripheral handbag panel 43 may serve as an attachment point for one or more components of the customizable handbag system 40. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the main handbag panels 41, 42 may be attached to the peripheral handbag panel 43 through engagement of one or more handbag assembly zippers 48, 49. For instance, the peripheral handbag panel 43 may include, on opposite longitudinal edges of the peripheral handbag panel 43, a zipper attachment tape corresponding to either of the one or more handbag assembly zippers 48, 49. This may enable the main handbag panels 41, 42 to be attached to the peripheral handbag panel 43, thus creating the base and sides of the handbag (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

It should be noted that while the peripheral handbag panel 43, as illustrated in FIG. 14, does not include any stand elements, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, the peripheral handbag panel 43 may be manufactured to include one or more stand elements along the base portion of the peripheral handbag panel 43. For instance, the peripheral handbag panel 43 may be manufactured to include similar stand elements as those illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 in order to provide handbag stability when placed on a flat surface. The one or more stand elements may be attached to the base portion of the peripheral handbag panel 43 through use of fasteners, glue, magnetic snaps, and the like.

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. However, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus, while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected,” where unmodified and referring to physical connections, is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The use of the term “set” (e.g., “a set of items”) or “subset” unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, is to be construed as a nonempty collection comprising one or more members. Further, unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, the term “subset” of a corresponding set does not necessarily denote a proper subset of the corresponding set, but the subset and the corresponding set may be equal.

Conjunctive language, such as phrases of the form “at least one of A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B and C,” unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise clearly contradicted by context, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either A or B or C, or any nonempty subset of the set of A and B and C. For instance, in the illustrative example of a set having three members, the conjunctive phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “at least one of A, B and C” refer to any of the following sets: {A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {B, C}, {A, B, C}. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of A, at least one of B and at least one of C each to be present.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate and the inventors intend for embodiments of the present disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A customizable handbag system, comprising: a first main handbag panel; a second main handbag panel that is positioned opposite the first main handbag panel across an interior space defined by the handbag system; and a first side panel that releasably attaches to the first main handbag panel and the second main handbag panel and that forms at least an exterior side of the handbag system.
 2. The customizable handbag system of claim 1, wherein the first main handbag panel and the second main handbag panel are connected by a base panel.
 3. The customizable handbag system of claim 1, further comprising a second side panel that releasably attaches to the first main handbag panel and the second main handbag panel in a position that is opposite the first side panel across the interior space.
 4. The customizable handbag system of claim 3, wherein the first side panel is releasable from the first main handbag panel and the second main handbag panel without releasing the second side panel from the first main handbag panel and the second main handbag panel.
 5. The customizable handbag system of claim 3, wherein the first side panel, the second side panel, and a base panel form a removable unit of the customizable handbag system.
 6. The customizable handbag system of claim 3, wherein the first side panel and the second side panel are symmetric to one another.
 7. The customizable handbag system of claim 1, further comprising a first handle attached to the first main handbag panel and a second handle attached to the second main handbag panel.
 8. The customizable handbag system of claim 1, further comprising a zipper that releasably attaches a first edge of the first side panel to a first edge of the main handbag panel and that releasably attaches a second edge of the first side panel to a second edge of the second main handbag panel.
 9. The customizable handbag system of claim 1, wherein the first side panel further forms an interior face of the interior space.
 10. The customizable handbag system of claim 1, wherein the first side panel forms an interior face of a second interior space that is different from the interior space.
 11. A customizable handbag system, comprising: a plurality of components, at least a subset of which form an interior space, the plurality of components comprising: a first component that is removably attached to the handbag system, the first component having a first appearance and forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the handbag system; and a second component that is removably attachable to the handbag system in place of the first component, the second component having a second appearance different from the first appearance.
 12. The customizable handbag system of claim 11, wherein the subset of the plurality of components comprise a first main handbag panel and a second main handbag panel positioned opposite the interior space.
 13. The customizable handbag system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of components form multiple interior spaces that include the interior space, at least one of the multiple interior spaces partially defined by the first component when the first component is attached to the handbag system.
 14. The customizable handbag system of claim 11, wherein the first component, when attached to the handbag system, forms a bottom exterior surface of the handbag system.
 15. The customizable handbag system of claim 11, wherein the first component, when attached to the handbag system, is releasably attached to a bottom surface of the handbag system.
 16. The customizable handbag system of claim 11, wherein the first component has a first row of teeth, the second component has a second row of teeth, and the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth each are connectible to a third row of teeth on the handbag system that matches both the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth.
 17. The customizable handbag system of claim 16, wherein the first component and the second component each lack a zipper slider.
 18. The customizable handbag system of claim 11, wherein the first component has a rectangular shape.
 19. The customizable handbag system of claim 11, wherein the first component, when attached to the handbag system, further forms a surface of the interior space.
 20. The customizable handbag system of claim 11, wherein the first component forms no portion of the interior space when attached to the handbag system. 